'It's to cover themselves!' - Jamie Carragher takes swipe at Trent Alexander-Arnold and his agents after Real Madrid approach rejected by Liverpool

Reports have suggested that Real Madrid made an offer to buy Alexander-Arnold in January as they attempt to secure the England right-back's signature. Real are said to be confident of signing the full-back on a free transfer in the summer, and Carragher believes that the bid from the Spanish giants has been engineered to "cover" his eventual exit.

Carragher also believes the bid for the right-back comes at an awkward time as the Reds attempt to win the Premier League under Arne Slot. They face Manchester United on January 5, and then take on Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Carragher wrote on X: "The most important thing for @LFC in 2025 is winning the #PremierLeague. No one’s contract or future should come in the way of that!

"I love Trent as a lad & a player, but his team would’ve told Real Madrid to bid & also would’ve known LFC would turn it down. It’s to try & cover themselves when he leaves for free.

"Again it’s something the club/fans don’t need with a huge game coming up."

Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday and could move seven points clear of the surprise package of the Premier League season: Nottingham Forest.